Quick Home Remedies for Cat Ringworm: See Results in a

Let me preface this: Ringworm in cats is caused by a fungal infection, and it tends to be more stubborn than bacterial skin diseases. Therefore, any claims like “3 days to see results/cure” or “One week to heal” are misleading!

In March, my cat contracted ringworm. Since I caught it early, I was able to start treatment promptly. After just 5 days, the effects were quite noticeable, and by around the 10th day, new fur began to grow. If your cat's infection is more severe, it may take longer to heal, so patience is key.

How to Treat Ringworm in Cats:

1. Prepare the Area:

● Begin by trimming the fur around the ringworm area and gently removing any scales or crusts. Be cautious not to scrape too hard; instead, use physiological saline or iodine tincture to soften the crusts before gently scraping them away.

● Always wear gloves during this process, as ringworm can be transmitted to humans. And rest assured, your cat won't be in pain, as the scales and crusts are typically loose.

2. Apply Medication:

● Purchase iodine tincture from a local pharmacy and use it to disinfect the area before applying medication. Don't worry about the iodine staining; it will fade over time, so a temporary change in appearance is acceptable.

● Apply a layer of ketoconazole cream (like Dapsone) with a cotton swab, twice to thrice a day.

● If your cat can lick or scratch the affected area, consider using an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from doing so.

3. Oral Itraconazole Capsules:

This medication must be administered according to dosage, typically 510mg/kg. I open the capsules and give my cat 15 granules (from a 100mg capsule) mixed with cat food, which they happily consume. Adjust the dosage based on your cat's weight, but err on the side of caution. Itraconazole is said to potentially harm the cat's liver, although reversibility is possible. Don't rush the process for the sake of speed!

4. Environmental Management:

During the ringworm treatment, maintain a clean and hygienic indoor environment. Use hypochlorous acid disinfectant to mop the floors and then spray petspecific disinfectant in all corners. The cat bed should be regularly removed and sunned.

5. Vitamin B Supplementation:

Ringworm infections in cats are often related to damp environments or low immunity. Therefore, it's crucial to supplement their nutrition during treatment. Offer cooked chicken breast for protein and add Vitamin B supplements (half a tablet for kittens, one tablet for adults, once a day). I use Supervita (Vitamin B Complex Solution) for convenience.

I highly recommend purchasing a Wood's lamp. It may seem like a hassle, but it's worth the effort. Carefully inspect your cat from head to toe under the lamp. If you spot ringworm, apply a little iodine tincture and ketoconazole cream to control the infection and prevent it from spreading further.